phrasal verb 'hold on'
Phrasal verbMain meaning
hold on
[həʊld ɒn]
to wait or pause

Other meanings

  • to grasp or grip something tightly
  • to persist or not give up
  • to keep something (informally: “Hold on to it.”)
  • to stay strong emotionally or physically

Example Sentences Using the Phrasal Verb "hold on"

  • Hold on, I’ll be right back.
    Hold on, I’ll be right back.
  • She held on to the rope tightly.
    Sheheld on to the rope tightly.
  • Hold on—don’t give up now!
    Hold on—don’t give up now!
  • Just hold on a little longer.
    Justhold on a little longer.
  • Hold on to that idea.
    Hold on to that idea.

Features of Using "hold on"

Separability:Inseparable Transitivity:Intransitive Level:A2 Particle:on

Common in phone conversations (“Hold on a second”).

Often used figuratively for perseverance or resilience.

Can be both physical and emotional.